Surgical Technologist
Training Program

ONLINE Information Sessions

  • February 22nd, 2022
  • March 24th, 2022

6:30pm – 7:30pm

Program Overview

Are you looking for an exciting, growing career with great responsibility that requires safely working in a fast-paced, high-pressure, task-oriented and highly efficient Operating Room? Being a Surgical Technologist (ST) is a physically demanding, mentally challenging, and incredibly rewarding professional role. It requires the ability to focus, problem-solve, pay close attention to detail, have excellent listening and communication skills, and an underlying commitment to doing what is right for patient safety and well-being.

For complete program information and course descriptions, please see the DHCI 2025-2026 Student Handbook & Program Catalog.

2017-2023 Program Outcomes:

  • Retention: 92%
  • NBSTSA Exam Pass Rate: 96%
  • Job Placement Rate: 98%

Attributes of a Successful Surgical Technologist:

  • A strong work ethic through reliability and dependability, time management skills, team work, and communication skills
  • The ability to work under pressure and stress, including the ability to keep composure and think critically
  • Flexibility and adaptability in the ever-changing environment of the OR
  • Excitement and passion about working in an innovative environment

Program Timeline

2025/2026 Training Program Important Dates
Program Dates September 15, 2025 – August 21, 2026
ST Apprenticeship August 2026
2026/2027 Training Program Important Dates
Early Applications & Offers Through September 2025
Regular Applications & Offers Check back in January 2026*
Program Dates September 14, 2026 – August 20, 2027
ST Apprenticeship August 2027

*The 2026-2027 ST Training Program is currently at capacity. We will revisit training availability in January 2026 and update the website if we will be accepting new applications for 2026 – 2027 program. For interim employment opportunities that may lead to acceptance into future ST Training Programs, please email DHCI@Hitchcock.org for more information.

CST Student Video

The Role of a Certified Surgical Technologist:

This is an exciting, growing career with great responsibility that requires safely working in a fast-paced, high-pressure, task-oriented and highly efficient Operating Room (OR) environment. Individuals must have steadfast attention to detail, be strong communicators, work as a cooperative unit and be committed to quality patient care.

Certified Surgical Technologists (CST)s are highly skilled individuals who collaborate with surgeons, registered nurses, and other health care professionals to deliver high quality standards of care, demonstrate principles of asepsis, and participate in creating an operating room environment. A Surgical Technologist assists in every aspect of the surgical setting including pre, intra and post-operatively.

Some examples of a CST’s responsibilities include:

  • Create and maintain the sterile field for surgical procedures
  • Review the Surgeon preference card
  • Acquire needed instrumentation and equipment for a surgical procedure
  • Assist OR team with patient positioning
  • Set-up and maintain sterile surgical field
  • Anticipate needs and pass instrumentation during the surgery
  • Mix medications as directed
  • Handle and label specimens obtained during surgery
  • Aid in patient transfer at the end of the case
  • Break down the case and account for all surgical counts

CST Spotlight: Meet Matt

“Following high school I attended a liberal arts college where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. My goal was to get a job in the medical field. I took a few years off from my career goal to pay off the student loans I had acquired and during that time a family member told me about the Surgical Technology (ST) program at Dartmouth Hitchcock. I realized the ST program could be my opportunity to pursue a career in healthcare like I always envisioned. I applied for a job at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in the Central Sterile Reprocessing department. This job helped prepare me for the ST program. I learned the names and locations of surgical instruments. During that year I completed prerequisite courses for the ST program so I would be eligible for the following year. I’m very happy with the path I took towards my career as a Surgical Technologist. The ST program offered both class in lectures and simulations as well as a hands-on clinical experience in the operating rooms. I completed over 150 clinical cases during my training through which I gained the technical skills and knowledge needed to be a successful Surgical Tech. After eleven months I graduated from the program and passed the national exam to become a Certified Surgical Technologist. I am excited to have a career that is challenging, rewarding, and gives me the opportunity to make a difference through the work that I do.”

Click here for additional information about the application and admissions process.

Questions? Contact Us! CST.training@hitchcock.org

If you have questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us.

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